Royal Entanglement

Reasons Why

For a while, there was silence as all three just stood there, each too deep in their emotions to speak.

Prince Xander slowly cleared his throat. "That is enough, Lady Sophia. That is enough. I have done everything..."

"You have not given me an answer regarding her becoming my handmaiden."

"Do not dare interrupt me once more, Lady Sophia. And Charlotte will not..."

"Your Highness. I apologize. I will be your handmaiden throughout the ceremony preparations and for as long as you need it. Please do tell me if you need anything."

Prince Xander turned to her, his eyes cold. "Have you lost your manners or your mind? I said no one interrupts!"

"You are only being on the defensive because tis her, Your Highness. I doubt you would care as much if it were another servant."

Prince Xander swallowed. "What is all of this, Lady Sophia?"

"My whim. It is my wish. Everything." She turned back to Charlotte, and if Prince Xander did not know any better, he would have believed she was possessive about him.

"I understand what could have happened between the both of you outside of the palace and this chamber. But how dare a servant look at my husband to be with eyes full of longing like that?"

"Your Highness..."

"What do you think, Prince? Would you rather let her groom me for you, or let her get groomed for other men?"

"Your threats are getting old, Lady Sophia."

"But I am sure they will be good as new to His Majesty. Do you want to find out?"

Charlotte quickly went to her knees, her head lowered, her eyes shining with tears. "Please, Your Highness. Do not do this. I only see His Highness as a shining star up above, something mere pebbles like me deep rooted in the soil of the earth can never reach. You are the star beside him, Your Highness, and I feel nothing more than reverence for His Highness."

Prince Xander watched her, his eyes darkening with every word she said. He took in a deep breath, and without another word, turned away, leaving the chambers.

"Leave." Lady Sophia said simply, and Charlotte swallowed, moving away.

"You would rather see him with another woman than be too far from him?" She suddenly asked, and Charlotte stopped walking.

"Your Highness..."

"Answer it." Lady Sophia said, turning fully to her. "Why do you love him so much?"

Charlotte swallowed, biting on her lips a little. There was more than she could mention, and she felt the tears sting the back of her eyes harshly, begging to be released . "His Highness is the most faithful person I know. And no matter what happens, he is the one who will stand by your side. He is the one to...keep a heart entrusted to him where his should have been. The type to clean a servant's dirtied hands with his expensive silk robe. He is the one to make a pebble like me feel like a star in the sky. He is..."

"Silence," Lady Sophia said, her lips set in a straight, adamant line. "Leave."

Charlotte looked up, her face stained with her own tears. She sniffed hard, then bowed again and turned, leaving the chambers.

Lady Sophia stood by the mirror, her eyes taking in her reflection. She wondered if he had been the same to her sister. If she had thought the same too. She swallowed, feeling tears bubble at the back of her throat.

"Tonight, Your Highness, there will be a small ceremony to announce the arrival of the Crown Princess. After that, the grooming will start, and span the duration of a weak. During these times, you will be the only one allowed to see Lady Sophia as she baths in scents and straightens her hair. After that, there will be a dance in the palace's ballroom. You will have time to practice before that. After that comes the games. These games will feature the archery and a dance of swords. A day will be for rest, before the official wedding ceremony. There will also be a congratulatory ball after that, and your coronation ceremonies. A week of festivities will follow soon after. Is there anything you would like to add to it?"

Prince Xander was staring off into the distance, his eyes glazed over with thoughts he did not quite own.

He needed to know who Lady Sophia was, and why she had come there. Why she had insisted on marrying him, and why, even though she hated him, she was so possessive.

Diana...the name did not set off any bells in his head. He closed his eyes, his hand coming to his forehead.

"Your Highness?"

He let out a small breath, then turned slowly to the palace butler. "Take care of everything."

"Yes, Your Highness. The royal jeweler and seamstress will be here soon for Lady Sophia and your measurements. Please do get ready."

Prince Xander nodded again, and the man backed away, all the while bowing.